【Important notes】 ・International Buyers: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. ・Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying. These duties are paid to your country's customs office and not to us. Prompt payment of these fees is necessary to ensure delivery of your item. ・Please note: VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and do not cover import duties, or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities. 【Product details】 This tsuba (sword guard) from the Edo period features an intricate design of swirling leaves. Interspersed within the foliage are ten brass inlays, each depicting a mitsudomoe—three comma-shaped swirls joined together. The mitsudomoe is a symbol rich in meaning within Japanese culture, often representing the cycle of life, the three elements (earth, heaven, and man), or the flow of water. The repetition of the mitsudomoe ten times may carry its own symbolic significance, possibly suggesting completion. The tsuba's dark iron surface provides a striking contrast against the bright brass inlays, highlighting the craftsmanship involved in its creation. The piece shows signs of age, including some rust and areas of wear, with two of the brass inlays missing on one side. Please refer to the photos for further details on its condition. Dimensions: approx. H 7.2 cm W 6.6 cm D 0.4 cm ・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid. ・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance. Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!